Middletown, OH, March 14, 2001 -- AK Steel (NYSE: AKS) today said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered the use of the AgION™ antimicrobial compound for use in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. With the registration, AK Steel has become the only supplier of coil-coated steels produced with an antimicrobial, antibacterial compound for use in commercial, industrial, and residential heating and cooling systems.

In addition to supplying long-lasting, durable, and safe protection against the growth of many microorganisms on a wide range of applications, AK Steel's antimicrobial-coated steels are more economical than post-fabrication and post-installation antimicrobial paint systems.

AK Steel's antimicrobial steel is coated with a compound developed by AgION Technologies, who sought the EPA registration for HVAC system components. The compound is a long-lasting, inorganic material that contains silver -- a safe and natural antimicrobial agent that has proven successful in controlling the growth and spread of a broad range of microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and mildew.

The Food and Drug Administration has recognized the AgION antimicrobial compound as an acceptable additive in all food contact polymers, and the National Sanitation Foundation has certified the compound for food contact and food zone applications.

To illustrate the cost-effective benefits of antimicrobial-coated steels, AK Steel is helping build Camino de Robles, a concept home in Santa Susana Knolls, CA. All of the heating and cooling ductwork in the home will be fabricated with antimicrobial steel. AK Steel's antimicrobial-coated steels will also be used in "high-touch zones" throughout the home, including appliances, handrails, doorknobs, faucets, food preparation surfaces, and even for a 6,000-bottle wine cellar. An additional cosmetic benefit of the antimicrobial steel is its ability to hide fingerprints.

Other AK Steel products will be utilized in the home, including steel for framing members, a stainless steel roof, a stainless steel spa, and a stainless swimming pool. In total, about 30,000 pounds of various AK Steel products will be utilized in the 11,000-square-foot home.